Oleth-10
PEG ether of oleyl alcohol with 10 ethylene oxide units. A nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer for oil-in-water emulsions. Well tolerated by skin, pregnancy-safe.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily
- Use with caution
- Sensitive
About this ingredient
Oleth-10 is a nonionic emulsifier produced by ethoxylating oleyl alcohol with ten ethylene oxide molecules. INCI: Oleth-10. A waxy mass with an HLB around 12, making it a suitable emulsifier for o/w systems. In cosmetics it is used in creams, lotions, micellar solutions and products with oils in a water base. It stabilizes the emulsion and helps dissolve fragrance components and oil-soluble actives. Use levels run from 0.5 to 5%. Pregnancy safety. Skin absorption into the systemic circulation is minimal. CIR rates the Oleth-2 to Oleth-50 family as acceptable on intact skin. Skin profile. Low to moderate irritation potential. Low allergen risk. Non-comedogenic. Suitable for all skin types, but at high concentrations (>5%) sensitive skin may sting. On a damaged barrier PEG ethoxylates may contain traces of 1,4-dioxane, a manufacturing contaminant regulated to 10 ppm in the EU.
Frequently asked questions
Is Oleth-10 safe during pregnancy?
Oleth-10 is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Oleth-10 for?
Oleth-10 suits: normal, dry, combination, oily. Use with caution in: sensitive.
What is Oleth-10 and what does it do in cosmetics?
PEG ether of oleyl alcohol with 10 ethylene oxide units.
Is Oleth-10 comedogenic?
On the Fulton scale 0/5 – non-comedogenic. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
What's the INCI name for Oleth-10?
The INCI name is Oleth-10. It may also appear as: PEG-10 Oleyl Ether.
See Oleth-10 in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
Oleth-20, Oleth-3 Phosphate, Olus Oil, Oryza Sativa Cera, Polysorbate 80, Strontium Hydroxide, Calcium Carbonate, Ethyl Hexanediol
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